I Hate Simkin

604 Podcast Network
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Music Commentary
  • Updated Fortnightly

I Hate Simkin is a no-holds-barred music industry podcast hosted by veteran music executive Jonathan Simkin. With decades in the business, Simkin has seen it all—and now he's telling the stories. Each episode, he sits down with artists, managers, and industry insiders he's crossed paths with over the years to revisit the wild, weird, and game-changing moments that shaped their careers. From behind-the-scenes chaos to untold anecdotes, I Hate Simkin is a deep dive into the music industry like you've never heard before. Unfiltered, insightful, and always entertaining—tune in for the real stories behind the music. 🎙️🎵 #IHateSimkin Buy your 'I Hate Simkin' shirt here: https://604shop.com/products/i-hate-simkin-tee

  1. 26 Aug ·  Video

    Quarterlife Crisis at 20: The Suits XL on Losing Yohann, Disappearing After a Top 10 Hit & More

    It's been almost two decades since Jonathan last spoke with Olivier and Sam of The Suits XL — the Quebec City pop act that became 604 Records' first francophone signing and first Top 10 pop hit with "Play." To mark the 20th anniversary reissue of their album Quarterlife Crisis, the trio gets back together (virtually) to trace the band's whole arc: how a manager named Frank connected them with 604, the marathon recording sessions with the Berman Brothers and legendary Quebec engineer Rob Einy, shooting the "Play" video in Cuba, and the stranger, moodier world of the "Low" video shoot in Burnaby. They also talk honestly about how the band quietly wound down, what it's like hearing your own record streamed back at you two decades later, the real (and much darker) meaning behind the lyrics of fan-favorite "Le Plaisir," and they remember bandmate Yohann Gosselin, who passed away a few years ago — his talent, his complicated relationships with the people around him, and the community that rallied for him at the end. Plus: two previously unreleased bonus tracks, an acoustic live take on "Play," and why Jonathan still can't pronounce anybody's last name. You can find the anniversary record here: https://ffm.to/thesuitsxl Subscribe to I Hate Simkin for bi-weekly deep dives into iconic Canadian music stories, behind-the-scenes label moments, and artist's career turning points. Likes, comments, and feedback help massively — thank you for supporting the show.

    Quarterlife Crisis at 20: The Suits XL on Losing Yohann, Disappearing After a Top 10 Hit & More

  2. 12 Aug ·  Video

    Taron Cochrane on Saskatchewan's Deep, Diverse Range of Music, Northern Pikes, Reviving The Raccoons & More

    CBC producer Taron Cochrane has spent years telling stories about Canadian music. In this conversation with Jonathan Simkin they cover everything from championing Saskatchewan artists to helping bring national attention to The Raccoons soundtrack revival.  Along the way they discuss Canadian punk legends DOA, The Northern Pikes, Propagandhi, rare vinyl collecting, music journalism, Expo 86, Walter Ostanek, and why Canada has far more musical history than most people realize. The conversation includes: Taron's role at CBC Saskatchewan & Manitoba Championing Saskatchewan artists on national radio The story behind The Raccoons revival Working with Kevin Gillis Northern Pikes history and Saskatchewan music DOA, Joey S******d and Canadian punk Rare vinyl collecting and music memorabilia Why local music scenes matter The future of Canadian music Subscribe to I Hate Simkin for bi-weekly deep dives into iconic Canadian music stories, behind-the-scenes label moments, and artist's career turning points. Likes, comments, and feedback help massively — thank you for supporting the show.

    Taron Cochrane on Saskatchewan's Deep, Diverse Range of Music, Northern Pikes, Reviving The Raccoons & More

  3. 29 July ·  Video

    Ally Baran & Connell Simkin Watt On Marianas/Nickelback Concerts Behind The Scenes, Being Blind In Music & More

    This episode is a little different. Jonathan is joined by his son, Connell Simkin Watt, and Connell's girlfriend, Toronto-based singer-songwriter Ally, for a conversation about songwriting, music school, and launching a career in today's music industry. Ally shares the story behind her upcoming debut single "Rabbit Hole," how a dream inspired the song, and what it's been like developing her sound while studying music in Toronto. She also opens up about pursuing music as a visually impaired artist and the impact she hopes her work will have. The conversation also covers: The story behind Connell's unusual name Growing up around the music business Jonathan's memories of choosing "Call Me Maybe" as Carly Rae Jepsen's breakthrough single Nickelback concerts, TIFF, and backstage stories Musical influences including Radiohead, Billie Eilish, Taylor Swift, Fionn, Marianas Trench, and more Advice for emerging artists Subscribe to I Hate Simkin for bi-weekly deep dives into iconic Canadian music stories, behind-the-scenes label moments, and artist's career turning points. Likes, comments, and feedback help massively — thank you for supporting the show.

    Ally Baran & Connell Simkin Watt On Marianas/Nickelback Concerts Behind The Scenes, Being Blind In Music & More

  4. 15 July ·  Video

    How Nickelback Got Signed: A&R Legend Ron Burman on the Early Days of Nickelback & 604 Records

    Jonathan welcomes a true industry titan and longtime friend: Ron Burman, the legendary former A&R executive at Roadrunner Records who famously signed Nickelback. Jonathan and Ron jump into a time capsule to reconstruct the late-'90s grind that launched a multi-platinum powerhouse. They reveal how Chad Kroeger used to prank-call radio stations pretending to be an indie promoter, the exact moment Ron got goosebumps watching the band play "Leader of Men" in a damp Vancouver venue, and the uphill battle of pitching a mainstream rock band to a hardcore metal label. Plus stories like watching a sold-out Hammerstein Ballroom show side-stage with Jay-Z and Lyor Cohen. This episode is available in video on Youtube or Spotify, and in audio form on other podcast platforms. Subscribe to I Hate Simkin for bi-weekly deep dives into iconic Canadian music stories, behind-the-scenes label moments, and artist's career turning points. Likes, comments, and feedback help massively — thank you for supporting the show.

    How Nickelback Got Signed: A&R Legend Ron Burman on the Early Days of Nickelback & 604 Records

  5. 8 July ·  Video

    The Music Industry Is Rigged? Jo Loewenthal on the Truth Behind Publishing Deals (Part 2)

    Jo Loewenthal joins Jonathan Simkin for part 2 of this chat exposing the music industry. Jo explains why he terminated his publishing agreement with Universal Music Publishing and why he's now asking the Supreme Court of New South Wales to determine whether that termination was valid. The conversation expands far beyond one contract dispute. Jo and Jonathan discuss publishing deals, royalty collection societies, neighbouring rights, SOCAN, PRS, APRA AMCOS, governance issues, board structures, voting systems, artist representation, transparency, and the growing debate around how music royalties are collected and distributed around the world. Topics Include: Why Jo sued Universal Music Publishing The reality of publishing advances How royalty collection actually works Music industry monopolies Why artists struggle to change industry systems & Much More! This episode is available in video form on YouTube & Spotify, and in audio form on all other pod platforms. Subscribe to I Hate Simkin for bi-weekly deep dives into iconic Canadian music stories, behind-the-scenes label moments, and artist's career turning points. Likes, comments, and feedback help massively — thank you for supporting the show.

    The Music Industry Is Rigged? Jo Loewenthal on the Truth Behind Publishing Deals (Part 2)

  6. 1 July ·  Video

    Jo Loewenthal's Shocking Audit of the Music Industry - Part 1

    After seeing Jo Lowenthal publicly question how artists get paid, Jonathan reached out. What followed was a deep conversation about publishing, neighbouring rights, missing data, royalty collection systems, transparency, and why so many artists struggle to understand where their money actually comes from. Jo (lead vocalist of Tora) explains how years of auditing his own catalog led him into a maze of publishing societies, international royalty systems, privacy requests, and millions of lines of data. Along the way he discovered missing registrations, unexplained reporting gaps, and answers from industry organizations that raised even more questions. Jonathan compares Jo's experience to his own investigation into neighboring rights royalties in Canada and the issues that inspired his Billboard article. They chat about: - Why Artists Become Industry Disruptors - The Missing Audience Feedback Problem - Discovering Music Used On TV Without Knowing - Building A Royalty Audit System - Crazy Admissions by Label Execs - Outrageous Incentives, Accountability, And Transparency & Much More! Part 2 will be out this time next week. This episode is available in video on Spotify & YouTube, and in audio format on all other podcast platforms. Subscribe to I Hate Simkin for bi-weekly deep dives into iconic Canadian music stories, behind-the-scenes label moments, and artist's career turning points. Likes, comments, and feedback help massively — thank you for supporting the show.

    Jo Loewenthal's Shocking Audit of the Music Industry - Part 1

  7. 17 June

    The Plaque Series Part 2 Episode 3: Carly Rae's I Really Like You, My Darkest Days' Pornstar Dancing, & Theory of a Deadman's Scars & Souvenirs

    We're back with the last episode of our second plaque series! From Theory of a Deadman fighting the "Nickelback clone" label, to the controversy around My Darkest Days' "Porn Star Dancing," to the emotional fallout after Carly Rae Jepsen's "Call Me Maybe" era — this episode dives deep into the music industry politics, artist development, producer influence, and nostalgia resurgence bringing these bands back into the spotlight. Jonathan talks about: Chad Kroeger and Joey Moi's influence on modern rock How Theory of a Deadman finally escaped Nickelback comparisons The success and backlash of Porn Star Dancing Why 2000s post-grunge rock is suddenly huge again Carly Rae Jepsen's transition from pop phenomenon to respected songwriter Jonathan & Carly's relationship after Call Me Maybe Featuring discussion around: Theory of a Deadman, Nickelback, My Darkest Days, Carly Rae Jepsen, Three Days Grace, Chad Kroeger, Joey Moi, Faber Drive, Default, Thornley, Morgan Wallen and more. Each segment is also available on Youtube (or soon will be). Like, reviews, shares, subscribing etc. help us big time. Thank you for listening!

    The Plaque Series Part 2 Episode 3: Carly Rae's I Really Like You, My Darkest Days' Pornstar Dancing, & Theory of a Deadman's Scars & Souvenirs

  8. 3 June

    The Plaque Series Part 2 Episode 2: Nickelback's The Long Road, Marianas Trench's Astoria, & A Rant On The Organ's Acceptance Speech

    Jonathan Simkin breaks down the real story behind Nickelback backlash, internet hate culture, Marianas Trench pressure, and the fallout between 604 Records and The Organ. From The Long Road selling millions while being labeled a "failure," to when Nickelback started to get public abuse, Jonathan explains what was actually happening behind the scenes during one of the biggest backlashes against a rock band. He looks back on giving up creative control on Marianas Trench's This Means War video, and why that song didn't connect commercially. He also responds in detail to comments and narratives surrounding The Organ, their breakup, the Polaris Heritage Award controversy, and why he feels 604's role in the band's success has been erased from the story. The episode also covers: Why Nickelback became a punching bag online The psychology of rock fans and backlash Marianas Trench's Astoria era pressure How The Organ almost became massive internationally The beginning of 604 studios due to The Organ 'tossing a record in the river' Why some Canada's biggest ever bands never made it out of the country Each segment is also available on Youtube (or soon will be). Like, reviews, shares etc. help us big time. Thank you for listening!

    The Plaque Series Part 2 Episode 2: Nickelback's The Long Road, Marianas Trench's Astoria, & A Rant On The Organ's Acceptance Speech
See All (39)

About

I Hate Simkin is a no-holds-barred music industry podcast hosted by veteran music executive Jonathan Simkin. With decades in the business, Simkin has seen it all—and now he's telling the stories. Each episode, he sits down with artists, managers, and industry insiders he's crossed paths with over the years to revisit the wild, weird, and game-changing moments that shaped their careers. From behind-the-scenes chaos to untold anecdotes, I Hate Simkin is a deep dive into the music industry like you've never heard before. Unfiltered, insightful, and always entertaining—tune in for the real stories behind the music. 🎙️🎵 #IHateSimkin Buy your 'I Hate Simkin' shirt here: https://604shop.com/products/i-hate-simkin-tee

Information

  • Creator
    604 Podcast Network
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    39
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 604 Podcast Network
  • Show Website
    I Hate Simkin

You Might Also Like